You don’t have to walk very far in Chiang Mai to find a temple. So when we arrived, we took a stroll, and we stumbled on this:
The flying elephant construction was a funeral pyre for the monk shown in the first photo. I turned to my cultural adviser (SWMBO) who told me that he was the top monk in Changmai, much admired by local residents and the royal family, who would be sending Princess Sirindhorn to the funeral. I also learned that he had died more than a year ago, such is the time required to prepare for these events. She also told me his name but I forgot; sorry.
The pyre was an impressive sight, and they had even built in a degree of animation. Yellow tapes extended out on both sides into temple buildings, and unseen hands were pulling the them to flap the wings and move the elephant head and trunk; amazing Thailand indeed.
We then discovered that the actual cremation was to be the following evening; 2100 we were told. So at 2030 we headed in the direction of the temple, only to be met by a wave of humanity exiting the temple gates. Luckily there was still something left to photograph:
Note the water jets which were used to stop the fire getting out of control and to dampen the roof of the temple. Clearly those involved had organised something like this before.
A surreal start to the mini-holiday.
May the monk rest in peace.
Comments 🔗
2010-01-24| Billy saysVery impressive. I have asked Her Indoors to arrange something similar for myself, though with the request that she wait until I have popped my clogs (sic)first.
2010-01-24| Lloyd saysAmazing, and a great oppertunity to see a side of Thailand rarely seen.
2010-01-25| Spike saysBilly, I can offer a large cardboard box, some petrol and a match. We could do it tomorrow if you are in the mood (I know I am).